The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has completed an important test for its upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission.
What exactly was the test?
- The high-thrust cryogenic engine that will power the rocket carrying the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was tested.
- The engine’s endurance and performance were evaluated under a variety of conditions.
About Chandrayaan-3 Mission
- The Chandrayaan-3 mission is the Indian Space Research Organization’s third lunar exploration mission.
- The mission follows the successful Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 missions, both of which launched in 2008 and 2019.
- The Chandrayaan-3 mission is designed to further explore the Moon’s South Pole region and conduct various scientific experiments, including studying the lunar surface, mineralogy, and the presence of water.
The Importance of the Recent Test
- ISRO has moved one step closer to launching the Chandrayaan-3 mission with the successful test of the high-thrust cryogenic engine.
- The mission is expected to be a significant step forward in India’s space exploration efforts, and it will help us better understand the Moon and its potential for future exploration and exploitation.
Chandrayaan-2: A quick recap
- Chandrayaan-2 was made up of an Orbiter, Lander, and Rover, all of which were outfitted with scientific instruments for studying the moon.
- The Orbiter would orbit the moon at 100 kilometres, while the Lander and Rover modules would be separated for a soft landing on the moon’s surface.
- ISRO named the Lander module Vikram after India’s space pioneer Vikram Sarabhai, and the Rover module Pragyaan, which crashed-landed.
Inception of Chandrayaan 3
- Following the failure of the Vikram lander, another mission was launched to demonstrate the landing capabilities required for the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission, which was proposed in collaboration with Japan for 2024.
Its design
- The Chandrayaan-3 lander will only have four throttleable engines.
- Unlike Vikram on Chandrayaan-2, which had five 800N engines, one of which was centrally mounted and had a fixed thrust.
- The Chandrayaan-3 lander will also be outfitted with a Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV).
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isros-chandrayaan-3-successfully-completes-crucial-test/article66528962.ece